Features

Bimota SB2 Bimota, the small Italian manufacturer that’s been through more than its share of financial problems in recent years, developed a huge reputation in the 1970s and 80s as the source of not just fine-handling exotic sporting motorcycles but of two-wheel artistic expression. That reputation was originally built on providing frames for road racing…

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Kawasaki GPZ 500S Elsewhere in the January 2013 issue of CMM you will see our oldie-but goodie Steve Cooper make his case for cool classic-dom for the Benelli Tornado. As a parallel twin, the Tornado followed a glorious list of machines to use this design layout. With the release of the new CBR500RR and its…

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Kawasaki Z400 engine rebuild We left off last month in a bit of a quandary after discovering how much it would cost to re-bore Steve’s Kawasaki Z400 twin engine and fit genuine new pistons. Apparently aftermarket piston kits are not readily available for this model and the price of new parts would far exceed the…

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Suzuki GS750 The motor was in basically sound condition but will be going back together with a new camchain and a couple of second-hand gears to cure the problem Jason had had with it jumping out of gear. The piston rings measured well within factory tolerances so the new valve stem seals I’ve fitted into…

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Harley-Davidson Sportster Harley-Davidson’s Evolution Sportster has become a firm favourite among bikers looking for something a little bit different. Light, compact and torquey the Sportster series combines modern standards of reliability and performance with the traditional feel of a torquey four stroke twin. And it comes with the kudos of the HD tank badge at…

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Suzuki GS1000E Launched in 1978, the GS1000 looked as though it had been developed from the previous year’s GS750, which cynics suggested had been directly developed from the Kawasaki 900. Some of this may be true. Suzuki admitted that the legendary Z1 had been an inspiration in the creation of their first ever four strokes…

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Heart rules head. I get that now and being in my 40s I think it’s a bonus to admit it. This is why I bought a basket case RD350R off of our own Mark Haycock – so first the case for the defence. Being a decade younger than the likes of Niall Mackenzie, the original…

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Kawasaki W650 flat tracker Sean is the workshop manager at John Carr Motorcycles in Alfreton, Derbyshire – a job that helps when it comes to a project. Having access to the right tools and equipment means you’re never short of anything and, with an understanding boss, he was able to work on his bike during…

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MZ was a popular commuter for cash strapped motorcyclists It’s a common assumption that your enjoyment of motorcycling increases with the sophistication of your machines and the cash spent on them. But if ever there was proof that you only need a simple, low-cost and reliable machine to provide a passport to distant horizons and…

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Yamaha XJ1100 Maxim I was eyeing up my ride for the day and freely admit to feeling a little wary. Perched on a log, like an overgrown CE armoured pixie I’m thinking of an old schoolboy joke and with more than a touch of irony. What’s white and if it falls out of a tree…

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